NKOTB's Joey McIntyre Running Boston Marathon For His Mom
BOSTON (CBS) - A boy band heartthrob is hoping to take on Heartbreak Hill this year.
Joey McIntyre of the New Kids On The Block will be on the starting block in Hopkinton on Marathon Monday. He's running for his mom.
"I'm not nervous for Monday because I feel like I'm prepared. I've done the work," said McIntyre.
Though he's no longer "new" or a "kid", NKOTB's McIntyre is determined to conquer Boston.
"It is my first marathon and I figure I'm going to do Boston because I might not ever want to do it again," he said.
The 40-year-old pop star has a powerful motivator.
"I'm running, number one, for my mom. My mom suffers from Alzheimer's. I just feel like there's a lot of energy, a lot of momentum in finding a cure. And the more awareness, and of course the more funds we can raise, the better," he said.
McIntyre's run has raised nearly $30,000 for the Alzheimer's Association.
"When I stop to think about it, the people, friends and family, and of course the huge majority of New Kids on the Block fans and how they step up and support me and us and what we do. And it's not just money. I know everyone can't give, but just the awareness and the good wishes and the thoughts that come my way are really special," said McIntyre.
Growing up in Boston, the Marathon is familiar to Joey Mac, actually running the race is another stor.
"Drinking beer in Cleveland Circle. That's about it," he said of his experience with the race.
There will be none of that on Monday. He's shooting for under 4 hours.
"I did 20 (miles) in 3 hours, so that gives me an hour to do the extra 6.2," he said.
The band has a new album coming out and a new tour, but he's making time for Boston.
"I'm going to be in Montreal the night before the race, but where there's a will there's a way and maybe that's a good distraction. I won't have to worry too much about the race the next day," he said.
And he's not forgetting fans who want to catch a glimpse of him on Monday.
"I'll tweet what I'm going to wear so people can see me, and hopefully I'll be able to catch everybody," he says. His Twitter handle is @JoeyMcintyre.
To support his run, click here.
